Ginebra beats Meralco 100-92 in PBA quarterfinals

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel secured a 100-92 victory over Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday, advancing them one step closer to the semifinals.

Scottie Thompson led Ginebra with a conference-high 23 points and seven rebounds, adding six assists, four steals, and a block; his performance was bolstered by extra rest from the previous game and his familiarity with Meralco in playoff encounters.

Ginebra's late-game surge was pivotal as they held off Meralco despite the Bolts' hot shooting in the third quarter, including a buzzer-beating triple from Akil Mitchell.

RJ Abarrientos added crucial scoring and playmaking support for Ginebra with 14 points, four rebounds, and six assists.

Meralco was led by Chris Newsome's 20 points and Akil Mitchell's double-double of 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and three steals; the Bolts now face a must-win situation in their next game to force a decider.

Thompson emphasized that his veteran experience and familiarity with Meralco fuel his performance, noting Ginebra has beaten them seven out of nine times in playoff encounters.